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The Provincial Bank by Miss M. T.
Kelly WITH THE
proposed closure of the Provincial Bank in Dublin Street, Carlow., a
little information on the premises early history may be of interest. There is a
strong tradition that this house stands on the site of an old Feudal
Stronghold. The massive wall of the stronghold left standing was
incorporated in the erection of a former residence. In 1814, when
Dr. Middleton undermined Carlow Castle, the oak beams, black as
ebony were brought from the debris, and used in the building of the
house; the walls in some parts of the house were seven feet thick.
Constructed of solid masonry, the whole structure presented
an unusual appearance. There was
also an old stone chimney top at the back of the house, which
resembled those of old Castles. In the early 1830’s this house was
occupied by Dr. Paul John Cullen, a Licentiate of the Apothecaries
Hall. He was very mystified by the house’s whole construction. He also
noticed a hidden space or room to which no entrance could be found.
He employed masons to work on this space. They broke a passage
through a wall, which revealed a room in which there was a bedstead
of ancient pattern with bed covering in keeping. When the room was
ventilated, the fresh air caused the bed covering to crumble to
dust. There were no human remains but the almost fossilated
skeletons of two animals were found in the room. About 1870
the premises were occupied by Mrs. Morton. She had a Hardware, Drug
and Oil Store. She was Agent for Finlay’s, Belfast Soap and Candles.
The best Rock oil was also available. (Fore-runner of Paraffin Oil). Mrs. Morton’s
daughter, Miss B. Morton married Mr. Joseph Deighton, who owned the
houses in Burrin Street now occupied by Mr. McDermott, Surgeon
Dentist and Mr. George Fitzgerald. Mr. Deighton donated the Deighton
Memorial Hall (Former Sessions House) to the select Vestry of St.
Mary’s Church of Ireland, Carlow. When the
Provincial Bank took over and demolished these premises, a portion
of the old Town Wall of Carlow was discovered incorporated in the
walls. It is thought
that the wall was part of the Fortifications built by Lionel Duke of
Clarence around the town of Carlow. The old oak beams from Carlow
Castle were removed and used as firewood. The stonework on the front
of the present Bank was cut from Major Fitzmaurice’s quarry at
Springhill.
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